CALL FOR DENTAL TECHNOLOGY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS: PLAR EVALUATOR OPPORTUNITY
Help shape the future of dental technology in Canada as a PLAR Evaluator. This is an opportunity to share your expertise, grow professionally, and play a key role in strengthening the profession through a national initiative.
The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) is piloting a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) program on behalf of participating regulatory authorities and is seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Dental Technology to serve as PLAR Evaluators during the pilot process.
As a PLAR Evaluator, you’ll play an essential role in ensuring new practitioners meet national standards for safe and competent practice while expanding your own skills through training and collaboration with peers across Canada. You’ll also receive full training in PLAR processes and collaborate with CADTR Lead PLAR SMEs during the program’s pilot phase, with compensation for your time and contributions through this flexible, remote engagement opportunity.
Interested in this opportunity? Please review the following description of the role, including eligibility guidelines, responsibilities, time commitment, remuneration, and how to apply. Expressions of interest are due by December 10, 2025, and selected PLAR Evaluators will be notified by January 5, 2026. The project will run from February to June 2026.
PLAR EVALUATOR ROLE & WHAT TO EXPECT
PURPOSE OF THE PLAR PATHWAY
The PLAR Pathway is designed to assess applicants seeking registration as RDTs/DTs. These applicants do not currently meet the minimum education requirement for other pathways to licensure, which is successful completion of a formal dental technology/oral health program. However, they may possess sufficient knowledge, skills and attitudes gained from employment and non-formal learning experiences.
The PLAR pathway will determine the extent to which an applicant’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes, can be deemed sufficient or substantially equivalent to that of an approved dental technology education program in Canada. It will also identify gaps in need of upgrade before an applicant is deemed eligible to challenge the Dental Technology Entry-to-Practice Assessment (DTETPA) registration exam.
PLAR EVALUATOR ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
If you’re a Registered Dental Technologist or Technician (RDT/DT) in good standing with your regulatory body, in a membership category that permits independent or unrestricted practice, you’re encouraged to apply.
Representation criteria
The selected RDTs/DTs will be chosen to reflect:
• Geographic diversity across regulated jurisdictions
• Variation in professional experience including familiarity with current dental technology education and/or dental technology practice
• Diverse practice settings, including international scope, dental laboratory operations and expertise, and educational settings
• Varied practice focus including practising RDTs/DTs in a preceptor role
Valued assets or experience
• Commitment to public protection and understanding of the regulatory mandate.
• Knowledge of regulated practice scope in their jurisdiction.
• Comprehensive understanding of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes expected of entry-level RDTs/DTs in Canada.
• Five (5) or more years of current practice experience as an RDT/DT in a regulated Canadian jurisdiction, and currently registered and in good standing.
• Familiarity with CADTR’s National Essential Entry-to-Practice Competencies.
• No perceived conflict of interest, including no current involvement with one’s regulatory body’s registration or discipline committees.
• No current or planned engagement in the development or delivery of for-profit preparatory courses or programs related to dental technology examinations.
• Prior experience in assessment or evaluation (e.g., portfolio reviews) is considered a strong asset.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Working with CADTR’s Lead PLAR SMEs and project consultants, PLAR Evaluators will:
• Participate in orientation and training sessions on PLAR tools, processes, and procedures
• Access, review and assess PLAR pilot applicant portfolios and supporting evidence against the established competencies
• Apply structured rubrics and scoring tools with consistency
• Participate in calibration and consensus discussions with a peer PLAR evaluator to ensure fairness and reliability
• Seek guidance from Lead PLAR SMEs when necessary
• Complete and finalize applicant outcome reports
• Participate in periodic project team meetings to monitor progress and address emerging issues
• Provide overall feedback on the PLAR pilot project
TIME COMMITMENT & ESTIMATED HOURS
Project timeline: February to June 30, 2026
Engagement: Flexible, with an anticipated average of 21-25 hours per month
Total hours: Each PLAR Evaluator can expect to contribute approximately 126–150 hours over the course of the project, though exact hours may vary based on project needs
Location: Online
REMUNERATION
Beyond contributing to the profession and providing a valuable service to CADTR, PLAR Evaluators will receive the following recognition:
• Receive a letter from CADTR verifying participation and hours of service that may be used for Continuing Education, where applicable
• Receive a certificate for the educational activities completed during the PLAR development process
• Receive remuneration in the amount of CAD $2,500-$3,000, commensurate with the estimated 126-150 hours of participation
• Have an opportunity to provide feedback on PLAR content and process
SELECTION NOTIFICATION
Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email on January 5, 2026 with next steps and timelines.
OTHER EXPECTATIONS
You will be required to sign and adhere to a confidentiality/fiduciary agreement prior to the PLAR development workshop prohibiting the discussion or disclosure of any information obtained while acting as a PLAR Evaluator.
ABOUT THE PLAR
PLAR is a systematic process that allows individuals to identify, document, have assessed and gain recognition for their prior learning, namely, knowledge, skills and attitudes (competencies) gained through formal and/or non-formal and/or experiential work experiences. The process is also used for diagnostic purposes to identify further training needs.
ABOUT CADTR
The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) is the national federation of dental technology regulators in Canada. Currently five of the eight dental technology regulators are members of CADTR. Members work together at a national level on matters which support the regulatory mandate of each provincial jurisdiction to protect the public interest.
CADTR is the central point of contact for internationally and domestically educated professionals who want to become licensed and practice dental technology in Canada. CADTR provides information about coming to Canada, guidance in getting registered with a dental technology regulator (DTR), and tools to help applicants get started in their home country. CADTR, on behalf of their members, evaluate the education and qualifications of applicants educated in Canada and abroad in dental technology and other dental health programs. They also set and administer the Dental Technology Entry-to-Practice Assessment (DTETPA) to determine a candidate’s readiness for safe, effective and independent dental technology practice.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
If you are interested in participating in this project as PLAR Pilot Evaluator, please email a brief cover letter outlining your relevant qualifications and experience, along with your résumé to t.eftekari@constructmeasures.ca.
Please include “CADTR–PLAR PATHWAY PILOT–EVALUATOR” in the subject line of your email.
The deadline to apply is December 10, 2025.
Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.